“So you’re starting basically from no speed,” says Martinson. “And then as you’re looking for a parking space or driving through, there is a skew to the center line of the street, so you actually have to turn as you drive through the street.”

The Fortsmith project transformed a one-block street that was formerly an abandoned right-of-way. It was also prone to flooding but Martinson says they’ve now fixed it.

“When it rains there are no puddles,” Martinson explains. “You just walk down the street and the water is already filtered between the bricks and into the detention area below it.”

Martinson adds the woonerf is part of a bigger effort to promote walking in the neighborhood. They’re also hoping to add a bike share sometime in the future.

Support Comes From

Gail Delaughter

Transportation Reporter

From early-morning interviews with commuters to walks through muddy construction sites, Gail covers all aspects of getting around Houston. That includes walking, driving, cycling, taking the bus, and occasionally flying. Before she became transportation reporter in 2011, Gail hosted weekend programs for Houston Public Media. She's also covered courts in...